Blind Boys

Late evening on a day showing hints of summer. We’re taking the long way home, on the hilly roads through the old mill town. The top is down, I’m still in my white graduation robe and full of hope, and Dad says, you have to hear this.

Through the switchbacks and up toward home, wind in our hair and the bass socking us in the gut as five voices sing in harmony: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...

It’s the old southern melody--the one that Creedence used for “The House of the Rising Sun.” It’s the first time I’ve heard it that way. And it’s a revelation. My heart is soaring.

There are certain crystal seconds in our lives that speak volumes about time and place and love, carried through the years, cradled deep within us. This is one of mine.

That was my introduction to the Blind Boys of Alabama. Who sang “Amazing Grace” last night when we took Dad to see them, of course, and brought that drive to the top of my mind. Dad doesn’t remember it--why is it we never latch on to the same moments?--but he loved the show, and it was a good way to all be together with the music. And for me to remember...

All of which to introduce: pics!